John l



UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN L. GUINN, OF SOMERSET, KENTUCKY, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO JOHN B.THORNTON, OF SAME PLACE.

DRAW-BAR G UIDE FOR CARS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 480,464, dated August9, 1892.

A Application filed February 1, 1892. Serial No. 419,952. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JOHN L. GUINN, a citizen of the United States,residing at Somerset, in the county of Pulaski and State of Kentucky,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Draw-Bar Guides orBearings; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exactdescription of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in theart to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being badto the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference markedthereon, which form a part of this specification.

My invention relates to improvements in draw-bar guides or bearings; andone object of my invention is the provision of a device of thischaracter, which can be easily and securely applied and which willwithstand the hard usage to which it is subjected.

Another object is to provide a guide or bearing which will receive anddistribute the strain equally and which cannot become displaced ordetached.

Another object is to provide a guide or bearing which can be constructedeasily and very cheaply and which will be simple and durable.

To attain the desired objects, the invention consists in certainimprovements in construction and arrangement of the parts of my guide orhearing, as herein shown, described, and claimed.

Figure 1 represents aplan view of my invention in position for use. Fig.2 represents a perspective view thereof.

Referring to the drawings by letter, A and A designate the longitudinalbars or rails on the under side of the car, which are notched orrecessed at B.

O designates the draw-head, having the bar D fitting the guide orbearing and having the springs E and F for the well-known purpose.

My improved guide or bearing, which is cast or formed in one piece,consists of the longitudinal plates G, the transverse centralconnecting-plate H, and the central exterior ribs or flanges J. Theinner ends of the plates G rest in the recesses B of the bars A andabutagainst said bars, thus forming a firm hearing or abutment, and theplates are secured by bolts or fastenings K, passing through the platesand bars, as shown, and firmly securing the guide in place. The centralflanges or ribs J fit in notchesBof the bars and form additionalsecuring means for the guide, and the central web is thicker andstronger than the plates and ribs and has an opening H for the bar. Fromthis construction it is evident that the bearing is secured firmly atall points and is so constructed as to receive the strain equally, whichis the most important feature; also, the device is composed of a singlepiece, rendering the same simple and durable and easily and cheaplymanufactured. Further, the guide is made stronger at the central web,where the strain is greatest, and the side plates and ribs are of properthickness to correspond, and the said plates beinglong a wide bearing isproduced.

I claim The combination, with the longitudinal bars, of the guideconsisting of the long side plates, central web and ribs secured to thebars, the draw-barbearing in the central web and having the shoulders oneach side of the web and the round coiled springs around the bar bearingagainst the shoulders.

2. The combination of the bars having the recesses, the platesunconnected at their ends and secured to the bars and engaging therecesses, the central web having an opening, and the draw-bar bearing inthe opening and having the springs around the same.

3. The guide or bearing consisting of the longitudinal plates, the thickcentral web, and the central exterior ribs of less thickness than thecentral rib or web, and the plates being unconnected at their ends,whereby the casting is easily and cheaply made and'may be quicklyapplied and removed.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOHN L. GUINN.

WVitnesses:

GEORGE M. GILMORE, JOHN W. ANDERSON.

